My client is incarcerated. How do I arrange to speak with him or her and how do I get documents reviewed and signed?

New Jersey has three (3) types of facilities: federal prisons, state prisons and county jails. You will need to call the facility and ask for the Warden’s Office. For county jails, the Sheriff’s Department may also be of help in arranging visits or calls. There will be someone assigned in the administration to assist in communication with prisoners. Depending on the type of facility, you may be able to arrange to have phone or video-conferences with your client. Make sure you are on time for scheduled calls, as the facilities cannot accommodate late starts or time overruns. The facility will give you an address at which to send documents to your client. You will want to ask for your client’s identification number and use that on all written communication. Be prepared for delays as mail goes through inspection and may be delayed in getting to the inmate. For court appearances, provide the facility information to your judge’s staff or the Surrogate’s Office. They will be able to arrange for your client to appear by videoconference for most appearances.